Toxic pesticide suspended

01.APVMA suspends the use of dimethoate

There is good news for consumers with the suspension of the use of the pesticide dimethoate due to potential health risks.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced the suspension on October 6, following publication of a new scientific assessment of the health risks posed by current levels of exposure to this chemical.

Dimethoate has mainly been used to control fruit fly, either as a spray on growing fruit, or as a dip after the fruit has been harvested.

But the APVMA’s survey found that potential exposure from residues on some food crops could exceed internationally supported safety margins put in place to protect human health.

While Australia often lags behind other comparable countries in restricting or banning the use of toxic chemicals, in this case we’re leading the pack. We welcome the APVMA’s prompt action to protect public health.

CHOICE will continue to campaign for improvements in the regulation of pesticides and chemicals to ensure that Australia is brought up to the same standard as the United States and European Union.

17 Jun 2011
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Cockroach baits, termite treatments, surface sprays and head lice treatments are some of the products containing ingredients that could seriously affect our health and that of our children.